It’s a joy to see a child’s sense of wonder take flight, and imagination run free. A dedicated kid’s lounge with playful design elements, like the very bounceable Camaleonda by B&B Italia or Ligne Roset’s Togo seating, will give them an indoor space to continue exploring.
What do you get when you combine the flamboyance and fire of South American flavours and the careful techniques of Japanese cooking? Nic Watt’s Nikkei-style restaurant Inca has delighted diners with its fresh dishes since opening on the Westfield Newmarket rooftop dining area in late 2019. Now, Watt is evolving this offering and bringing Inca 2.0 to Ponsonby.
Watt says he wasn’t looking to open another restaurant at the moment, but the acclaimed chef and restaurateur fell in love with the new Ponsonby Central location, with high ceilings and natural light, instantly. As part of the Central refresh, Inca looks out its large windows to Richmond Road on the corner, while also having a laneway of outdoor dining with festooned lights. “I knew I wanted this site when I first saw it, the positive energy and karma of the restaurant is infectious,” he says.
Open this week, Inca Ponsonby is the fourth establishment in Watt’s stable, which includes Masu by Nic Watt and Akarana Eatery in Orakei. Drawing on Watt’s travels to Peru and his love of its “bright and powerful flavours” and the “art of Nikkei cuisine” that he learnt when living in Japan, the menu at Inca is a “beautiful collision”.
While most of the menu will serve iconic Inca dishes, including the Pacifica Ceviche and the Pork al Pastor Tacos, there has been plenty of room for Watt and his team to play.
Along with the starters, tacos and tostadas, tempura, and sashimi and tiradito, a whole new offering is the maki and nigiri section, offering contemporary maki rolls and nigiri with rice. Watt’s favourite is the California Fire maki roll with spiced king crab, avocado and pickled cucumber – it’s a modern take that brings the heat.
New to the BBQ section, is an ember roasted black cod with anticucho miso and pickled roast vegetables; and the dry aged beef short rib with yellow pepper miso glaze and spiced cashew nuts. There will also be a ‘let us indulge you’ eight-course degustation on the menu soon.
The fusion focus is on fresh seafood and chargrilled meats, however the menu has plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans, including an organic beetroot ceviche and a wood-fired butternut pumpkin.
For the other much-frequented menu, there is an extensive drinks list including the usual slaking suspects, as well as cerveza (Peruvian beer), sake, mezcal, tequila, and umeshu. The ever-popular frozen margarita and pisco sours are being poured alongside the new Pandan pisco sour and the smoky, honey Inca of the Bees.
Collaborating with CTRL Space, the interior design of the cavernous, open space is warmed with pink marble and cave-like plaster, colourful woven textile features, banquette seating and a suspended rattan ceiling, peppered with colourful lamps and lanterns. There’s also a two-metre hearth at the heart of the restaurant.
The Inca experience is brought to Ponsonby with Watt’s dream team of more than 20 hospitality professionals. The management team has worked for Watt in some capacity for a combined 36 years — Front of House will be Naomi Kim, who joins from Masu, while Head Chef Dinyar Cardmaster is transitioning from Inca Newmarket. “I feel we have so much to offer,” says Watt.
Catering for all appetites large and small — with plenty of novel nuances throughout the well-thought-out menu and experience from Watt’s own 20 years experience in restaurants — Inca is a must-try addition to the Ponsonby dining scene.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday
Lunch (coming soon): 12 — 2:30pm
Dinner: 5pm – Late
Inca Ponsonby
9 Richmond Road,
Grey Lynn, Auckland
From emeralds to diamonds, silver to gold, when it comes to precious stones and metals, there’s no shortage of dazzling designs this season. Give yourself a literal glow with circular earrings and necklace pendants that will become a lucky charm, or try your hand at refined rings and bestowed bracelets held up to the light.
In times like these we could all do with a little treat, making Mibo bakery an opportune opening in our midst. Tucked cosily on Enfield Road in Mount Eden, the stylishly sweet spot offers melt-in-the-mouth pastries to momentarily distract you from the worries of the world.
As the co-owner of Benedict’s, a nearby cafe that focuses on cabinet delights and a full brunch menu, Emma Zhao began experimenting with her beautiful baking, before the team decided to expand.
“Auckland has so many amazing bakeries already, but I haven’t seen many Chinese flavours featured, which is kind of sad because we have so much to offer,” says Zhao, who is from China. “I’m very excited to be able to introduce these flavours into traditional viennoiseries and recreate some delicious baked goods from my childhood memories.” (The name Mibo comes from the word for ‘bread’ in Shanghainese.)
The interiors of Mibo, by Millé, feature timber to bring warmth as well as the feel of a traditional French shop front to the space. Overall, the colours are inspired by a mix of dusty wheat fields, and the existing washed-out shades at Benedict’s.
At the moment, Zhao’s favourite Mibo creation is an apple custard naisu — a sweet interpretation of the traditional treat that is buttery and milky with a crumbly texture. The cinnamon cruffin will always be memorable — it’s the first pastry she and Benedict’s head baker, Kris, first worked on, improving it in tempting iterations until it reached perfection. Paired with BeSpecialty coffee in hand, it creates a contented (rather than unprecedented) moment in time.
Current opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 7.30am — 2pm
Saturday to Sunday: 8am — 2pm
Mibo Bakery
30 Enfield Road,
Mount Eden, Auckland
Come one, come all, Gucci’s delightful new boutique has opened in Westfield Newmarket. The iconic Italian fashion house joins a sterling lineup of brands including Balenciaga, Moncler, and Partridge Jewellers; Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent and Burberry.
Its arrival further solidifies the centre’s reputation as a one-stop destination for luxury, while the store’s bespoke design sets it apart from the rest.
A curved blush Breccia Oniciata marble exterior sets the tone for what lies within; a rose quartz-hued haven filled with men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, handbags, shoes, jewellery and accessories. Also to be found are the Gucci children’s collection, Gucci Décor and the recently launched Gucci Lifestyle collection.
The interior perfectly complements the collections it houses, embracing eclecticism that is both contemporary and elegant. Varying floor textures mark different spaces, from the eye-catching black-and-white grid to the timber mosaic and classic parquet. Velvet seating welcomes those wishing for a moment of respite while softening the space, all the more opportunity to take in the colourful array of pieces on show.
Having just returned to the runway at February’s Milan fashion week after a two-year hiatus, Gucci remains at the pinnacle of the zeitgeist for revered luxury fashion. With the timely opening of another boutique on our shores, we now have even more opportunities to be a part of the magic.
When undertaking a home alteration that seeks to not only bring historical features well into the present day but to preserve a sense of heritage in the process, both a deft hand and expert eye are required.
The versatility of Sydney-based architectural and interior design company Alexander & Co. made it the ideal candidate for the renovation of Spotted Gum House — what was originally just a sweet bungalow in Artarmon on Sydney’s North Shore.
The tidy brick cottage, which dates back to the early 20th century, has been reconfigured to now contain two guest bedrooms and bathrooms, a sitting room, laundry and study. To the rear has been added a double-storey extension that houses living, dining and kitchen areas on the ground floor, and the main bedroom on the upper level.
The Alexander & Co. team have ensured the original house has been lovingly restored and flows via a wooden staircase into the ample additions. A sense of expansiveness overtakes, prevalent from the sheer scale of the spaces and high ceilings. These are shared areas for the residents and any guests to move within freely and comfortably, with huge steel-framed glass doors that can be thrown right open to the garden at the back, welcoming the outside in.
A pared-back palette and modernist influences allow the scale of this home to take impressive precedence. Despite the muted tones, it is imbued with a warmth from the mixture of textures — in keeping with one of Alexander and Co.’s key tenets of prioritising the expressiveness of craftsmanship.
Wooden ceilings and stairs, pale brick walls and polished concrete floors visually define the space, adding contrast without being stark.
It was important to the clients that this home trod lightly on the earth while also enhancing their own personal wellbeing. One of the central considerations of this transformation was sustainability, manifesting in the highest quality, innovative products and organic materials that had the lowest emissions possible.
Double-glazed windows throughout and geothermal climate control ensure economical power usage for heating and cooling, while a circadian ‘dim’ lighting system works in conjunction with the rhythm of those living within. On the same floor as the master bedroom is a steam shower room and infrared sauna.
Furnishings act as a continuation of both the artisanal and sustainable sensibility. Incorporating both bespoke pieces and timeless additions by the likes of Michel Ducaroy, Cappellini and B&B Italia, Spotted Gum House is filled with comfort and elegance.
Clearly, every last detail has been considered with the rigorous attention that the Alexander & Co. team dedicates to each one of their projects. When respect for the past melds seamlessly with a thoroughly innovative approach, the results are nothing short of sublime.
While reading fiction can help us step into the shoes of someone else or be whisked away to another world, there is much merit to be found in expanding our viewpoints of the world we inhabit. Learn how to work smarter (not harder), how to develop your critical thinking and how to find a positive outlook, all by picking up one of the great reads below.
The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence by Jessica Lahey
Writer, teacher and recovering alcoholic Jessica Lahey wants to help parents and caregivers with this book, an empathetic and comprehensive resource for raising kids to grow up addiction-free.
The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
This sweet, small book is designed to act as a soothing balm for anyone struggling with life’s hardships. A collection of encouraging meditations and observations, it aims to give the reader a hopeful perspective, through a diverse array of global and personal sources.
The Life-Changing Science of Detecting Bullshit by John V. Petrocelli
Undeniably timely, John V. Petrocelli expands on his viral TEDx Talk to tell us how we can develop critical thinking habits to recognise and combat false information and delusional thinking — arguably a major hallmark of the modern world.
The New Hustle: Don’t Work Harder, Just Work Better by Emma Isaacs
Successful entrepreneur, Business Chicks founder and mother of six Emma Isaacs is well-versed in maximising efficiency at every turn, and her new book is here to teach us to do the same. Condensed clearly into 77 ‘anti-rules’, The New Hustle aims to provide helpful ideas and strategies for more productive, creative and meaningful work, so we can get back to what it is we really want to do more of — enjoy life.
As we find ourselves navigating the start of a third year in this pandemic, finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety is a wellness priority. What better way to find a new perspective than in the position of a downward dog or happy baby? The internet is filled with inspiring virtual classes catering to all preferences and abilities, and by signing up to those offered by a local yoga studio or practitioner, it’s a great way to support them if in-person classes are greatly reduced in numbers due to more people staying in.
Here is our pick of the best online sessions you can undertake at home.
Basecamp Power Yoga
If you sometimes find it hard to make it to a yoga class with your schedule, never fear — boutique Basecamp Power Yoga studio is bringing good vibes around the clock with its online studio. Sign up for access and you will have both individual videos and multi-part courses at your fingertips, as well as guided meditation.
Find all the information and classes here.
Wholehearted Yoga Studio
Wholehearted Yoga Studio closed its physical Birkenhead space in February, and just offers an online membership for $9.95 a week. This includes access to livestreamed sessions and a growing library of classes. Owner Araluen Clarke is a trained counsellor and supporter of ‘self-compassionate yoga’, and the classes hope to help both your body and mind (and central nervous system) look after themselves better.
Find all the information and classes here.
Sala
With its sleek online platform, boutique fitness studio Sala has all its in-demand classes in one place — including yoga. Find over 80 yoga classes of all lengths and strengths, from prenatal yoga to sweat-seeking sessions and restorative stretching. Membership costs $25 a month, or you can try free for 14 days if you’re new.
Find all the information and classes here.
EastWest
Popular Ponsonby Road yoga studio EastWest has a well-established suite of virtual classes ready to go. Priced on a sliding scale as to what you can afford, one auto-renewing payment per month gives you unlimited access to all classes including Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Yin and more. You can cancel at any time with no contract, but we don’t think you’ll want to thanks to the teachers’ expertise.
Find all the information and classes here.
Mahi Yoga
Newmarket-based studio Mahi Yoga makes it easy to keep your practice going, thanks to its new Mahi On Demand platform. A subscription fee of $30 unlocks the comprehensive library of yoga and meditation classes, designed for all different levels of expertise and fitness. The team have also created Spotify playlists tailored for each class, so you’ll really feel like you’re in the studio even if you’re just trying your best to find your zen in your living room.
Find all the information and classes here.
Om Studio
Offering both livestreamed Zoom classes and an ‘Omline’ yoga studio library for access any time, Om Studio is a well-oiled machine when it comes to virtual sessions. Purchase individual Zoom classes through its website or the Mindbody app, or pay a monthly membership fee for unlimited access to the library.
Find all the information and classes here.
Yoga With Kylie
Having completed both a Bachelor of Nursing degree and training to become a Yoga Medicine Registered Therapeutic Specialist, Auckland-based yoga instructor Kylie Rook aims to make yoga accessible to everyone. She teaches a range of practices and hosts several classes via livestream through her website. Sign up to her mailing list and receive a free month of yoga through Yoga With Kylie Online, and follow her on Instagram for additional updates.
Find all the information and classes here.
With the Omicron variant of Covid-19 known to be so transmissible, we not only need to be more stringent about when we are wearing masks, but what types of masks we’re wearing. Official advice recommends that “disposable high-filtration face masks or particulate respirators offer the highest level of protection, when used correctly.”
These are known by different names. P2 is the Australia/New Zealand respiratory standard, N95 is the United States respiratory standard, KN95 is the Chinese respiratory standard and FFP2 is the European respiratory standard.
Whatever mask you have, it’s imperative that it is well-fitting. Official advice also says “you can reuse these face masks several times if you leave them for 5 to 7 days between each use. If they no longer provide a tight fit around your face, then you should dispose of them.”
Demand has been high, so peruse our guide below of where to buy KN95, N95 and P2 masks.
-Firstly, it’s worth checking if your local chemist has supplies available. Otherwise, online medical store Amtech has P2 respirator masks.
-At Chemist Warehouse, P2 respirator masks are available in-store only, and Net Pharmacy has both KN95 masks and PM2.5 filters in stock.
-Locally-founded company Respiratory Protective Masks specialises in Korean Style face masks that combine comfort, fit and filter. They have greater than 99 percent BFE (Bacterial Filtration Efficiency) and PFE (Particulate Filtration Efficiency).
-Stationery stores like Office Max and PBTech have masks in stock, as does The Market (find good filters for cloth masks here too). Bunnings has masks in stock on its website but check with them directly for availability. Mitre 10 offers delivery on its KN95 masks, which are currently available at the time of writing this article.
–Superette has Private Stock Labs KN95 masks in stock, which come in packs of five in various colours.
For more advice, visit the NZ Government’s Covid-19 website. The World Health Organisation also has comprehensive advice on masking.
As one of New Zealand’s largest hospitality businesses with iconic venues across Auckland — including Amano, Ebisu, Azabu, and Non Solo Pizza — Savor Group knows how to create extraordinary culinary experiences for all.
Its newest offering — Savor Supplies — is here to provide provisions to an uncommonly high standard, hand-picked picked by their own chefs and then delivered to your door. Sourced to the same exacting requirements as its revered restaurants, the gourmet grocery packages include fresh fruit and vegetables from the same growers collective that its top kitchens use.
Think ‘So Sweet’ baby carrots from Invercargill, Nectarines from the family-run Orchard Strode Road in Clyde, and avocados picked from the Bay of Plenty and ripened to perfection under supervision at Savor’s stores.
Whether you’re placing an order weekly or daily, Savor Supplies will make sure you’re well looked after with add ons including restaurant-quality baked goods (including rising-high bread loafs), organic free-range eggs, housemade pasta, pizza, sauces and dips, and freshly squeezed juices.
In addition to bringing you fresh, seasonal produce each week, Savor Supplies will be launching a series of new products almost weekly. Watch this space for a selection of frozen meals, soups, meal kits and more. You may never have to cook from scratch again…
Allowing you to spend less of your time shopping and more of your time creating the food you love, for those you love, we’ve never been so excited to replenish our kitchen shelves with the (elevated) essentials. (Order online by 5pm Sunday for delivery on the following Wednesday, between 12 and 5pm.)
To celebrate Savor Supplies we are giving away 3 Savor Supply Boxes to 3 lucky winners. These boxes will include Savor Supplies’ weekly selection of chef selected fruit and vegetables, bread, juice, Amano pasta kit and pizza kit and more!
This giveaway is now closed.
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